Fuld appreciates his time in Minnesota

OAKLAND -- Sam Fuld was relaxing with his wife, Sarah, in their Kansas City hotel after their three kids went to bed on July 30 when the phone rang.

It was Twins assistant general manager Rob Antony informing him that he had been traded back to the A's for left-hander Tommy Milone.

The timing was tough for Fuld, as it was a family trip with the Twins in their road trip through Kansas City and Chicago. The trade didn't become official until the next morning, but by then Fuld was on his way back to the Twin Cities.

He decided to drive with his wife and three young children back to Minneapolis -- a drive that he expected to take six hours, but which ended up taking closer to nine hours after all the stops.

It was a whirlwind day for Fuld, but ultimately he was happy to be heading back to Oakland, where he began the season before being claimed off waivers by the Twins on April 20. Fuld wasn't in the lineup against his former team Thursday, but figures to see action against the Twins in the four-game series at O.co Coliseum.

"You can't ask for a better situation than to be on a winning team," Fuld said. "It's fun and a great environment. It's a place that I fit in well."

Fuld added that he had a positive experience in Minnesota, and has no hard feelings about being traded.

"I loved the city," Fuld said. "It was a privilege to play in that new ballpark. I really enjoyed my time there."